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Archive for the ‘ News ’ Category

Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud is Pigeon Forge’s Newest Adventure!

Monday, August 13th, 2018

The newest family friendly adventure is OPEN! The jacks are back and ready for a high energy competition between some of America’s award winning lumberjacks!

Take a seat in this 350- person outdoor stadium and settle in for the battle between the Dawson’s and the McGraw’s as they compete in events such as: underhand chop, log rolling, ax throwing, speed climbing, springboard chop and so much more! Watch to see which lumberjack makes it to the top of the 60- foot high logs, crosses logs without falling in the pool, and who can stay on the longest during the log rolling battle! Cheering and yelling are encouraged and it may even get you pulled on stage to saw some logs with the lumberjacks!

 

 

“Pigeon Forge has become a second home for my family and me. The community has been warm and welcoming from the moment I opened Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, and I’m thrilled to bring this action- packed show full of family fun back to the area for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”- Paula Deen

 

COMING SOON—->

Not only will be able to enjoy the thrilling show, but visitors can enjoy the additional adventure park this upcoming fall! After watching the mighty lumberjacks compete in all events, you can get the chance to have your own competition. With stimulated elements from the show, you can compete in log rolling, speed climbing, springboard chops, and even take a trip on the ziplining roller coaster or take the plunge from the 80-foot drop tower! A multi- level themed park and playground will make it’s debut this fall at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Adventure!

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Dollywood Announces New “Wildwood Grove” Expansion

Friday, August 3rd, 2018

Dolly Parton came back to her roots to make a big announcement! Dollywood will be undergoing a HUGE expansion introducing Wildwood Grove, a play on Dolly Parton’s childhood imagination of the Smoky Mountains set to open in 2019!

 

“I’ve told you before about how I’d let my imagination roam free when I’d be out exploring in the hills around our home in the Smoky Mountains,” Dolly states. “I’d pretend that the frogs and butterflies were my friends. I’d imagine about what it’d be like to fly with a dragonfly or to follow a bear family through the woods. Now all these things are coming true for our guests to experience in Wildwood Grove- it may be my new favorite part of Dollywood!”

The unveiling shows this new world featuring a giant 55 foot Wildwood Tree and enchanted landscaping as a staple landmark where shows and entertainment will take place. More than 400 trees and 1,000 shrubs will transform the area into Wildwood Grove.  Wildwood Grove will also feature 11 experiences for the whole family to enjoy and 6 new rides! You’ll feel transported to a magical world when you step under the canopy of trees full of butterflies, lanterns, and adventure! The sun will gleam through the trees providing a glow as you enjoy each new attraction in Wildwood Grove. As the sun sets the featured Wildwood Tree lights up in a fascinating showcase of color and wonder!

 

As one of the 11 attractions inside Wildwood Grove, families can explore the 4,000 sq. ft climate controlled play area full of slides, interactive games, and climbing structures. Kids will also enjoy Wildwood Creek which is a great splash pad area to stay cool!

  • The newest roller coaster, The Dragonflier, is suspended which takes guests through the trees by soaring and dodging trees.

 

  • The Mad Mockingbird– a high flying swing where riders can control their speed by moving the sails, or the wings.

 

  • Sycamore Swing boards riders onto a “leaf boat”which swings back and forth through the trees.

 

  • Black Bear Trail is a kid friendly attraction where you can ride on the back of the native black bears as they take you on a ride through their habitat of the smokies!

 

  • Treetop Tower takes you up a giant oak tree inside giant acorns as they lift 40 feet high and give you 360 degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

 

  • Climb on board the exciting Frogs and Fireflies ride where the two will chase each other around the lily pad and through the grasses. This kid friendly attraction will

 

Wildwood Grove is also set to have a new restaurant as well! Till & Harvest will be Wildwood Grove’s featured restaurant and great addition to the dining line up in the theme park. This southern inspired dining takes on a southwest twist! Be sure to try a burrito with pulled pork and coleslaw for a tasty meal before heading back to all the new attractions, and even pick up a churro and ice cream for a tasty treat too!

 

For more information on the newest Dollywood expansion, visit the Dollywood website here!

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2nd Annual Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

Thursday, July 26th, 2018

The Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival is back again this year for an evening full of colorful glowing balloons, food trucks, entertainment, family- friendly activities, and so much more! For the full scoop on the event, keep on reading—>

 

WHAT?

Mark your calendars for the summer’s most colorful event at The Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival! Professional balloonists light up to create a beautiful glow all around the Townsend sunset. This is the second year of this successful festival and it’s going to be even better than last year’s events. You and your family will be able to enjoy:

  • Live Entertainment
  • Crafters- demonstrating and selling products
  • Family- Friendly Activities including: balloons, face painting, rock wall, and more!
  • Food Trucks
  • Local Craft Beers
  • Wine Tastings

Balloons will inflate at dusk and be lit for about an hour. The event is weather permitting- that means if it rains, the event will continue with a candlestick glow.

 

WHERE?

The event takes place at The Townsend Visitor Center at:  7906 E Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882

 

WHEN?

Saturday, August 18th, 2018 3:00 PM- 9:00 PM

 

SPECIAL NOTES:

  • The balloons will not be launched. The event is for glow purposes only.
  • All parking is $20. Pre- purchase of parking tickets is encouraged.
  • All pets must be on a leash and waste bags are required.

 

For the full entertainment line-up and list of food truck vendors, visit: http://gsmballoonfest.com/

 

Get Tickets Here

 

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Tennessee’s Tax Free Weekend

Monday, July 23rd, 2018

It’s Tax Free in Tennessee! The best time to stock up on back to school items, styling your Fall wardrobe, and experiencing the best deals on electronics is this weekend only.

The state of Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday is held every year, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the last Friday in July and ending at 11:59 p.m. the following Sunday night. During this weekend, certain goods may be purchased tax free. This year’s tax free holiday weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 27th and ends Sunday, July 29th at 11:59 p.m.

Over the holiday weekend computers, laptops, etc. with a price of $1,500 or less, and clothing apparel and school supplies with a price of $100 or less per item, are exempt from state sales tax!

Learn more here:

Tennessee

 

Shop Tanger Outlet’s Sidewalk Sale

Be sure to head to Tanger Outlets in Sevierville, Tennessee for the ultimate Tax Free Weekend shopping experience! With so many stores offering summer blowout deals, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone in your family. Not only can you find the Tax Free Sidewalk Sale from July 27th- 29th, but Tanger is also extending sales for an extra 25% off now through August 19th! Could it get any better? Well, YES! Tanger Outlets has even extended store hours on Fridays and Saturdays for more time to gear up for back to schools items and apparel!

 

Be sure to take advantage of the savings upon savings at Tanger Outlets in Sevierville, Tennessee! For more information visit: https://www.tangeroutlet.com/sevierville

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Crave Golf Club Sweetens the Golf Game

Sunday, June 24th, 2018

Crave Golf Club changes the game with a 36-Hole, multi-level, sweet-themed golf destination in heart of Pigeon Forge!

 

I got the inside scoop of Pigeon Forge’s sweetest attraction and I’m here to tell you all about it!  

As you walk inside a wave of sugar from the Sweet Shop hits you immediately- in the best way possible! Not only can you smell the hundreds of different candies, but the colors used to decorate the room are outstanding! I actually felt like I was in Willa Wonka’s factory! I may have packed a bag full of gummy bears but let’s keep that between us 😉

 

If you keep walking through the candy wonderland you see four lanes of mini bowling. Set up like a real game of bowling, you and 6 friends can take your chance of a strike! I really love the idea of mini bowling especially for the younger kids. It makes it much easier for them to play and the bowling balls are the perfect weight for anyone to play!

Now for the main event…

Crave offers two different courses for you ad the family to enjoy. Both courses are 19- holes and at each one there is a spinner. The spinner is optional but definitely adds to the fun by changing up the way you putt each time. It could make you putt in a funny position or give you an incentive after your turn.

After completing the indoor, outdoor, or BOTH courses, be sure to head back inside to milkshake bar! You can customize your own flavor or choose one of Crave’s Signature Shakes. As for myself, I chose the signature shake called “Sugar Safari.” Made with vanilla and super rainbow ice cream, toasted marshmallow and pomegranate shots, animal cracker toppings, It was SO GOOD! It made the perfect treat after a fun game of golf!

 

For more information on Crave Golf Club go to https://www.cravegolf.com/

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Smokies Service Days Return

Monday, June 4th, 2018

Smokies Service Days Return

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are excited to announce that the popular “Smokies Service Days” volunteer program will resume this month. Park staff will lead service opportunities on Saturdays beginning June 9. Individuals and groups are invited to sign up for any of the scheduled service projects that interest them including unique opportunities to help care for park campgrounds, native plant gardens, and other natural and cultural resources within the park boundaries.

This volunteer program helps complete much needed work across the park and is ideal for those seeking to fulfill community service requirements, including high school and college students; scout troops; civic organizations; visitors; families; and working adults with busy schedules. Each project will provide tasks appropriate for a wide range of ages. Volunteer projects will begin at 9:00 a.m. and last until noon on Saturday mornings. In addition, each project will be followed by an optional enrichment adventure to immerse participants in the abundant natural and cultural resources of the park.

Tools and safety gear, including gloves and high visibility safety vests, will be provided by park staff. Participants are required to wear closed-toe shoes and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as directed. Volunteers planning to stay for the optional enrichment activity must also bring a sack lunch.

Those interested in volunteering need to contact Project Coordinator, Logan Boldon, at 865-436-1278 or logan_boldon@partner.nps.gov prior to the scheduled event date to register. Space may be limited.

 

Schedule of Service Activities

 

June 9, 2018: Campground Clean-Up

Clean out fire pits, pick up trash, remove leaf litter and perform other campground maintenance to prepare for the enjoyment of future campers and help keep our wildlife wild!

Meeting Location: Elkmont Campground, Tennessee

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Option: Let’s have a picnic at Huskey Branch Falls! We’ll take a hike along Little River to the falls and enjoy the beautiful scenery as we eat! The hike is a moderate 4.3 miles roundtrip. 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

 

June 16, 2018: Campground Clean-Up

Clean out fire pits, pick up trash, remove leaf litter and perform other campground maintenance to prepare for the enjoyment of future campers and help keep our wildlife wild!

Meeting Location: Smokemont Campground, North Carolina

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Option: Head on over to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center for the Women’s Work Festival! This annual event showcases the work done by women on mountain farms with demonstrations including hearth cooking, soap making, corn shuck crafts and spinning. The festival lasts until 4 PM and is free!

 

June 30, 2018: Gardening

Become a Weed Warrior in the Battle of the Beds! Don a pair of gloves and remove unwanted vegetation from the flower beds in front of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the Mountain Farm Museum gardens.

Meeting Location: Oconaluftee Visitor Center, North Carolina

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Option: Enjoy a ranger-led interpretive program on the natural and cultural history of the area! 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

 

July 7, 2018: Picnic Area & Campground Clean-Up

Fourth of July festivities can leave their mark on the park! Clean up the picnic area by picking up trash and removing debris from the grills to help us prepare for future visitors and assist with wildlife management! Then we’ll tackle the campground!

Meeting Location: Deep Creek, North Carolina

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Option: We’ll explore the waterfalls of the Deep Creek area: Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls! The hike is an easy 2 miles roundtrip. 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

 

July 21, 2018: Campground Clean-Up

Clean out fire pits, pick up trash, remove leaf litter and perform other campground maintenance to prepare for the enjoyment of future campers and help keep our wildlife wild!

Meeting Location: Cosby Campground, Tennessee

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Option: Let’s take a leisurely stroll in the woods on the Cosby Nature Trail and learn about the local flora and fauna! The hike is and easy 1.1 miles roundtrip. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

 

For more information or to register, contact:

Logan Boldon

logan_boldon@partner.nps.gov

865-436-1278

 

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Clingmans Dome Tower Temporarily Closed June 4 through June 15

Wednesday, May 30th, 2018

Clingmans Dome Tower Temporarily Closed June 4 through June 15

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower will be closed Monday, June 4 through Friday, June 15 to complete a rehabilitation project that began last year. Workers need to apply a final surface overlay along the tower ramp.

While visitors will not be able to climb the tower, the Clingmans Dome parking overlook area will remain open and offers outstanding mountain top views. The visitor contact station and store, the trail up to the tower, and all access to the trailheads in the vicinity will remain open. Visitors should expect some construction traffic in the vicinity of the contact station and along the trail.

Last year, contractors repaired deteriorated areas on the concrete columns and walls, stabilized support walls at the base of the ramp, and repaired stone masonry. This work has been made possible through funding received from a Partners in Preservation (PIP) grant. The $250,000 grant was awarded in 2016 to the Friends of the Smokies on behalf of the park after being one of the top nine, most voted for parks in the Partners in Preservation: National Parks Campaign.

Straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee state line at 6,643 feet, the tower is a prominent landmark and destination as the highest point in the park. The observation tower is a precedent-setting design of the National Park Service’s Mission 66 program, which transformed park planning, management, and architecture and fundamentally altered the visitor experience in national parks. Since 1959, millions of visitors have climbed the tower, where they can see distances of up to 100 miles over the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some minimal preservation work today on the tower will ensure that visitors continue to experience this unique structure spiraling up from the highest point in the park.

For more information about the Clingmans Dome Tower, please visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm.

 

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www.nps.gov/grsm

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www.Twitter.com/GreatSmokyNPS

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